NFL Picks Week 2: Picking Every Week 2 Game

Week 1 of the NFL season gave us a few surprises and a few big victories. The second week of the season is always interesting to find out who the early pretenders are.

Oakland Raiders @ Buffalo Bills:

The Bills allowed 5.6 yards per carry to Jamaal Charles in Week 1, while Dexter McCluster also gashed the defense a few times with four rushes for over 40 yards. The Chiefs were playing catchup from the start so didn't stick with the running game, the Raiders will however and Darren McFadden will lead them to victory.

Green Bay Packers @ Carolina Panthers:

Cam Newton's Week 1 performance wasn't just good for a rookie, it was a great performance for any quarterback. Newton was very impressive and showed off an understanding of the mental side of the game to go along with his talent. However he won't be able to match the numbers Aaron Rodgers will be able to put up against the Carolina defense. Ultimately that will be the difference.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Detroit Lions:

The Lions only got two sacks last week in Tampa Bay. That should drastically change this week as the big body of Josh Freeman isn't there and the Tampa heat isn't a problem. The Chiefs offense will be in trouble, but the defense looks even worse off without Eric Berry. Expect Matthew Stafford to expose the defense with his tight ends even if Calvin Johnson isn't playing. A home win is in the cards.

Cleveland Browns @ Indianapolis Colts:

Two teams that disappointed in Week 1. The Colts were expected to lose, but the Browns really faltered against the Bengals. Nonetheless, I see the Browns riding Peyton Hillis to an easy win here.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Minnesota Vikings:

Both sides are looking to rebound after poor starts to the season. While the Vikings offense should be better, Josh Freeman will allow his Buccaneers to crack .500 early on. Freeman and Mike Williams should be able to hook up often, while LeGarrette Blount will get more carries than he did Week 1.

Chicago Bears @ New Orleans Saints:

The Bears will be looking to win this game for Brian Urlacher and his mother. Urlacher will play in the game after returning to the team this week, however I cannot see them getting the better of the Saints. The Saints were outstanding on offense for the most part last week. This may be a shootout, in that case I'm trusting Drew Brees over Jay Cutler.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ New York Jets:

This will be a low scoring affair as both defenses should be on top. Unfortunately for the Jaguars, Luke McCown won't have such an easy outing as his first last week. The difference in this game will be turnovers as Darrelle Revis or Antonio Cromartie should be able to dominate Mike Thomas or Jason Hill.

Seattle Seahawks @ Pittsburgh Steelers:

The Seahawks will be hoping to pile the misery on the Steelers after their shambolic display in Baltimore last week. However Tarvaris Jackson was hit five times against the 49ers, that figure could double this week. This one looks like it could be a blowout as the Steelers take out their frustration on the reigning NFC West champs.

Baltimore Ravens @ Tennessee Titans:

The Ravens were unbelievably good in Week 1. However, how they react will be interesting. The Ravens undoubtedly have veteran leaders on defense, but offensively they are still a young team. Joe Flacco showed last week that he can be elite on the field, he will need to prove that he is an elite leader off the field not to underestimate the Titans. The Titans will win this game and it will be a good thing for the Ravens long-term to keep focus.

Arizona Cardinals @ Washington Redskins:

Kevin Kolb had an easy debut for the Cardinals as they went against a defense without much in the way of pass rushers. With Ryan Kerrigan, Brian Orakpo and Barry Cofield in the front seven, this week will be very different. Kolb will be hit and sacked a lot more this week and that will lead the Redskins to a 2-0 start.

Dallas Cowboys @ San Francisco 49ers:

For all those Cowboys fans that are frustrated by Tony Romo, just look at San Francisco this week and be thankful. Expect Romo to rebound from last week's fourth quarter and lead the Cowboys to victory. DeMarcus Ware should have a huge game also.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Denver Broncos:

Incredibly, it seems like there is a better feeling around the Bengals organization than the Broncos right now. Even with Andy Dalton's status up in the air and Carson Palmer still retired, the Bengals quarterback position is more settled than the Broncos. Bruce Gradkowski will be able to lead the Bengals sufficiently enough to beat the Broncos.

Houston Texans @ Miami Dolphins:

The Dolphins defense isn't as bad as it was exposed last week. Sean Smith and Vontae Davis should be able to play the full game this week. The Texans defense still remains a mystery as not much can be read into Week 1's showing. With Kevin Walter sidelined and Arian Foster still not likely to be 100 percent, the Dolphins will be able to prove their mettle and cause some concern early in Houston.

San Diego Chargers @ New England Patriots:

Philip Rivers should have a huge day. Tom Brady should too. This one will be a shootout, Brady won't have things as easy this week but the Patriots will win the game in the end. Luis Castillo will be a big loss while Larry English still looks to be tethered to the sideline. Without those two to get pressure on Brady, the Chargers will struggle despite how incredible their secondary is.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Atlanta Falcons:

The Eagles will win this game if the Falcons don't let Michael Turner loose. Turner is the team's best offensive weapon in this game as the Eagles are soft against the run. However, playing for the second week on turf, the Eagles offense will have too much for the Falcons. The Eagles will win this game and it may not even be close.

St. Louis Rams @ New York Giants:

Both teams struggled in Week 1 and both are struggling with injuries. The return of Justin Tuck will be huge for the Giants and he could make the difference. Jason Smith didn't have a great game for the Rams at RT last week which could cause some major concern for Sam Bradford. The Giants will be able to rebound and escape with a close victory on Monday night.